Za’atar (Syrian oregano) Origanum syriacum
Za’atar (Syrian oregano) (Origanum syriacum) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family, native to Eastern Mediterranean (Levant, Sinai, Turkey). It grows 40–90 cm (16–35 in) tall and 40–60 cm (16–24 in) wide, wants full sun and low water, and is hardy to about -7 °C (19 °F). Space plants about 40 cm (16 in) apart.
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Za’atar (Syrian oregano) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Lamiaceae |
| Mature height | 40–90 cm (16–35 in) |
| Mature spread | 40–60 cm (16–24 in) |
| Spacing | 40 cm (16 in) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 6 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Low; drought tolerance high, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6.5–8.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -7 °C (19 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 8) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about May for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Moderate |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: leaves (fresh or dried; the herb in za’atar) |
| Native to | Eastern Mediterranean (Levant, Sinai, Turkey) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇹🇷 Turkey, 🇪🇬 Egypt |
Is Za’atar (Syrian oregano) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Za’atar (Syrian oregano)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and low water.
Questions about Za’atar (Syrian oregano)
- How far apart should I plant Za’atar (Syrian oregano)?
- About 40 cm (16 in) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 40–60 cm (16–24 in).
- Does Za’atar (Syrian oregano) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 6 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Za’atar (Syrian oregano) need?
- Low water. Drought tolerance is high and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Za’atar (Syrian oregano)?
- It tolerates about -7 °C (19 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 8.
- When does Za’atar (Syrian oregano) flower?
- From about May for 6–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Za’atar (Syrian oregano) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. No toxicity reported in ASPCA or standard poison references.
- What grows well with Za’atar (Syrian oregano)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Za’atar (Syrian oregano). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (low).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Flora of Israel Online, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Notes and assumptions
- Greyish woolly leaves. Wild harvesting is restricted in Israel; grow it from seed or cuttings.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Basil Ocimum basilicum
- Rosemary Salvia rosmarinus
- Thyme Thymus vulgaris
- Mint Mentha spicata
- English lavender Lavandula angustifolia
- Creeping thyme Thymus serpyllum
- Common sage Salvia officinalis
- Oregano Origanum vulgare